Some more senior officers in the separtment are likely to be shifted ahead of the general elections.
When asked about his transfer, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "These are administrative things. I don't think people should get into it. Officer's and Ministers' portfolio's change, it is a regular affair. He is a capable officer."
According to sources, Azad was not happy with Desiraju's performance of late.
Desiraju, a 1978-batch IAS officer from Uttarakhand cadre, was appointed a year ago as the Health Secretary.